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How to Hide or Unhide Copilot Button on Windows 11

Richard
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Richard
Jun 30, 2023 Updated Apr 17, 2026 2 min read

This guide shows you how to hide or unhide the Copilot button on the Taskbar in Windows 11.

Microsoft is rolling out Copilot, an AI assistant that helps you change settings and chat using natural language. This feature is currently only available for some computers enrolled in the Microsoft Insider Preview program. When enabled, a Copilot button appears on your Taskbar. You can open it by clicking the icon or pressing the Windows key + C on your keyboard.

Why hide or show the Copilot button?

You may want to hide the button if you prefer a cleaner taskbar or do not use AI features. You may want to show it if you accidentally removed it or want quick access to the tool.

What happens when done?

Once you complete these steps, the Copilot icon will either appear on your taskbar or disappear from it immediately, depending on the method you chose.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

This is the easiest way to manage the button for everyday users.

  1. Open the Windows Settings app. You can do this by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings, or by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard to launch the Settings app.
  2. Click on Personalization in the left menu.
Windows 11 Personalization in the Settings app

  1. Click on the Taskbar tile on the right side.
Windows 11 Taskbar tile

  1. Look for Copilot (preview). Toggle the switch to On to show the button or Off to hide it.
Copilot preview show or hide button on taskbar

Method 2: Using Local Group Policy Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges.

You can also control the button through the Local Group Policy Editor. Search for “Edit group policy” in your Start menu and open it.

windows 11 edit group policy

  1. On the left side, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
  2. Find Hide the Copilot button in the right pane and double-click it.
Hide the Copilot button group policy

  1. Choose Enabled to hide the button, or Disabled to show it.
  2. Click OK and close the editor.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges and involves changing system files. Be careful.

Open the Windows Registry editor by searching for “regedit” in the Start menu. Navigate to this path:

🗝️Registry
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

If you don’t see the Explorer folder, right-click the Windows folder, select New, then Key, and name it Explorer.

Hide the Copilot button group policy

  1. Right-click in the empty space on the right side and select New > String Value.
  2. Name the new item HideCopilotButton.
  3. Double-click HideCopilotButton and set the “Value data” to 1 to hide the button.
  4. To show the button again, simply delete the HideCopilotButton item.
Hide the Copilot button group policy

Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Summary

You can manage the Copilot button in Windows 11 using the Settings menu, the Group Policy Editor, or the Registry Editor. Use the Settings menu for the quickest change, or the other methods if you need to manage settings for a specific user or system configuration. For more details, see the Microsoft.com.

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Tags: #Windows 11
Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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